Finding flatheads

Try these waters for shovelheads

If you’re looking to hook into some big flathead catfish this June, the Carolinas have plenty of spots where these bruisers like to hang out. Whether you’re in North or South Carolina, the heat of early summer gets these fish fired up, especially at night when they’re on the prowl. Let’s talk about three places where you’ve got a good shot at tying into a big one.

Catawba River

First up is the Catawba River, especially the stretch below Lake Wylie. This river has long been a favorite for flathead anglers, and for good reason. The current keeps the water moving, which flatheads love, and there’s a mix of deep holes, downed trees, and rocky ledges where these fish like to hide out during the day. Come nighttime, they roam the shallows looking for bream, perch, or just about anything else they can grab. Live bait is key here—bluegill or small carp are top choices. Just hook one through the back, toss it near some structure, and wait. Some nights you might get a few good runs, and every now and then, one of those runs turns into a 40-pounder that’ll test your gear.

Congaree River

The Congaree River is another solid option. It flows out of Columbia and eventually dumps into Lake Marion, and the whole stretch holds good numbers of flatheads. What makes the Congaree special is the amount of timber in the water. Big flatheads love to hole up in logjams and deep cut banks, and there’s no shortage of either on this river. June is a great time to fish it, especially after a little bit of rain when the river’s running a little higher than normal. Night fishing is the way to go, and it’s hard to beat a fresh-caught bream on a Carolina rig. You’ll want heavy gear because when a flathead decides to run, it’s going to try to take you right back into the cover.

Lake Norman

Last but not least, Lake Norman has a healthy population of white perch, which anglers can easily find with their electronics. And flatheads love to eat white perch.

Because of their penchant for white perch, it’s tough to say what depth anglers should be fishing, or what part of the lake is best for flatheads. It really changes from one day to the next, and even throughout each day.

Follow the white perch, and you’ll always be in the right place for flatheads.